Thomas Veil
Aug 11, 2004, 12:49 AM
We spend a lot of time kvetching about people on "the Other Side", left or right, who are disreputable, despicable people. Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter and Bill O'Reilly are some of the most obvious political crapmasters, for example.
But what about those people on the opposite side of the political fence whom we can respect?
What, you say? You can't think of any such people? Oh come on, be fair now. I'll tell you my favorite "respected opposition" if you'll tell me yours.
John McCain
An obvious choice when you think about it. McCain is not a zealot. When he thinks somebody in his own party is wrong, he's not afraid to say so...even when it costs him.
George Will
If you want to read some conservative commentary that does not distort the facts or scream names at you, read George Will. I find myself usually disagreeing with the man, occasionally siding with him; but even when you don't buy his arguments, he at least makes his case in a reasoned, professional manner. Two things George Will are not are intellectually dishonest and a bully. (It's probably why he doesn't attract as much attention as Rush or Ann or Bill. Ah well.)
Arianna Huffington
This one's a bit of a cheat. Ostensibly a conservative, she's undergone something of a transformation in recent years. Now she gives it to the left and the right. She has no problem extolling the achievements and decrying the stupidities of either party. Good for her!
Colin Powell
Man, I actually not only respect him, but I feel sorry for this guy. I mean, talk about being a war hero, then being asked to defend questionable intelligence, and then having your *** left hanging out to the wind. Colin Powell gets my vote as the Republican to be most pitied. No wonder he wants out of Bush's cabinet. (Now, if he'd only get on his son's case.... ;) )
So...do you admire any members of the "enemy" party? (I'd be especially interested to hear conservatives tell us of any liberals they actually respect.)
But what about those people on the opposite side of the political fence whom we can respect?
What, you say? You can't think of any such people? Oh come on, be fair now. I'll tell you my favorite "respected opposition" if you'll tell me yours.
John McCain
An obvious choice when you think about it. McCain is not a zealot. When he thinks somebody in his own party is wrong, he's not afraid to say so...even when it costs him.
George Will
If you want to read some conservative commentary that does not distort the facts or scream names at you, read George Will. I find myself usually disagreeing with the man, occasionally siding with him; but even when you don't buy his arguments, he at least makes his case in a reasoned, professional manner. Two things George Will are not are intellectually dishonest and a bully. (It's probably why he doesn't attract as much attention as Rush or Ann or Bill. Ah well.)
Arianna Huffington
This one's a bit of a cheat. Ostensibly a conservative, she's undergone something of a transformation in recent years. Now she gives it to the left and the right. She has no problem extolling the achievements and decrying the stupidities of either party. Good for her!
Colin Powell
Man, I actually not only respect him, but I feel sorry for this guy. I mean, talk about being a war hero, then being asked to defend questionable intelligence, and then having your *** left hanging out to the wind. Colin Powell gets my vote as the Republican to be most pitied. No wonder he wants out of Bush's cabinet. (Now, if he'd only get on his son's case.... ;) )
So...do you admire any members of the "enemy" party? (I'd be especially interested to hear conservatives tell us of any liberals they actually respect.)
